Weapon of Choice by Mommy’s Best Games

Weapon of Choice is developer Mommy’s Best Games’ rose-tinted tribute to early nineties gaming. It combines the over-the-top action, dialogue, and skittle-colored graphics of classics such as Contra and Gunstar Heroes with modern, twin-stick gameplay.

Imagine a lush, animated pop-up book or elementary school diorama and you have the look. Combine it with a speed metal soundtrack and giant bugs and you have the style. Those extreme aesthetics carry over to the gameplay, where several wildly different weapons complement a unique “death-brushing” mechanic that slows time when danger is near.

Weapon of Choice is old school to a fault – it’s quite difficult, with no ability to save your progress. Several branching paths let you experiment if things get too tough, but repeating the earlier levels can be a drag when you can die so easily. That you can’t play with a friend makes the frustration that much more pronounced. On the other hand, if you’re looking to cure that 1990s shooter itch you’ll be hard-pressed to avoid an immediate purchase.

Community Game Briefs are short but informative impressions on the ever-expanding Community Games catalogue on Xbox Live. These are not full reviews. The verdict comes in three flavors: AVOID, TRY, or BUY. Anything can be awarded an AVOID or TRY rating, whether I actually buy it or only sample the demo. You can be assured that any game awarded the BUY rating has been purchased and played extensively.